Herb & Thelma's Tavern — Restaurant in Covington

If you're into no-frills, all-flavor type of places, this spot hits the mark. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a cozy, old-school bar atmosphere — the kind where the ceiling tiles have seen a few stories, the walls are filled with memorabilia, and locals gather like it's their second home. It’s the kind of joint where the bartender knows names, and the cook’s working the grill just a few feet away from the bar, flipping burgers within earshot of the regulars.

The vibe is laid-back, unpretentious, and totally genuine. There are a couple of TVs for sports, some Christmas lights strung up for charm, and the smell of sizzling patties in the air. It's the kind of place that doesn't try to be anything fancy — and that’s exactly the point.

As for the burger? A simple powerhouse. Soft, pillowy bun, melted cheese draped over a well-seared patty, and a couple of crisp pickles to cut through the richness. It’s not stacked a mile high or over-engineered — it’s straightforward, satisfying, and done right. Sometimes, that’s all you want. Pair it with a cold beer and you’re golden.

Bottom line: This is a throwback burger bar that knows its strengths — atmosphere, simplicity, and solid food. If you're craving an authentic, no-BS burger in a place with character, this...

I truly take no pleasure in saying this, but this was one of the most disappointing and over-hyped burgers I’ve had in the Cincinnati/NKY area. For all the praise Herb & Thelma’s burgers get, what I experienced was closer to something you’d throw together at home at 3am: plain, unseasoned beef on a grocery store bun, with zero flavor beyond “greasy meat.” The bun itself was soggy and small, which only made the texture worse. Honestly, I’ve had more satisfying burgers from carnival stands and backyard cookouts.

To be clear, I wasn’t expecting a gourmet burger, just a solid, no-frills bar burger, but this fell below even that standard. Compared to the other local taverns/diners in the area, this is by far the weakest I’ve had.

I’m not sure if the reputation comes from nostalgia or just the “dive bar charm,” but if you’re going specifically for the burger, I think you’ll be disappointed. Between the hype and the reality, the gap was huge.

I won’t be...

Took the family to to get a bite to eat. Never been before but the reviews were great. This would be a good place to have a beer as the people are really friendly. However it’s not a place to really eat. The menu is basically a few burger choices and potato chips. Thats it. The burgers are small and average for the price. All four of us had a burger and chips. Bill was 60 bucks. Cash only. All four of us were less than satisfied when we left. Definitely save some money for the ride home to get something else to fill up on. Also place was really tiny and crowded. I am not sure what the other reviews are rating it 5 stars for. Not a place to take your family to eat. Would be a good place to have a drink tho if you’re not wanting anything more...